Andrew Thomas is making another Osprey after some very good titles he already signed for this Publisher and still available in this series. If the topic could be seen at first pretty limited, as the Griffon-engined Spitfires were introduced lately in the war, the author was able to give a very attractive book on the last Spitfires aces.

Starting with the Spitfire XII, the author follows the evolution of the war in its last months which saw the introduction of the main mark, the Spitfire XIV. Giving, step by step the manner how some pilots became aces whilst flying the last Spitfire models, the Author offers a good number of pilots’ recollections, collected along the years, giving to the text a high level of emotion and intensity. Numerous combat reports are also included even if those are not giving, by nature, the same intensity. Some little known squadrons histories are also partially narrated like the Dutch No.322 Squadron or the tactical recce units. The Spitfire 21 is also treated but, to be true, of little interest as no enemy encounters were made on this model. Furthermore, the last air combats in Middle East in 1948 are another points of interest.

Of course, it is the basic design of the series, but more photographs would be appreciated to illustrate the book, and if the numbers of the photographs must be limited, at least trying to publish new prints as regrettably some are very well-known even if others are very interesting..

Regarding the colour plates, one would notice that some have been already published in the previous Osprey “Aircraft of the Aces 5”, a bit pity as the topic is enough wide to offer really new profiles. Otherwise, many profiles are relevant and representative, even if some mistakes can be noticed in the marking side.

Nevertheless, it remains an excellent book of good value which favourably complete the previous title “Aircraft of Aces 5” at a very reasonable price.